Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has played down early talk of Nigeria’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that the team is concentrating on their immediate task ahead of Monday’s round of 16 encounter with Mozambique.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Ndidi spoke about his personal journey from missing the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast due to injury to leading the national team at the ongoing tournament in Morocco. He said that while lifting the continental trophy would be a remarkable achievement, looking too far ahead could be costly.
According to the midfielder, the priority for the team is the next match, which will determine whether they continue their campaign or exit the competition.
“It would be amazing to win the AFCON, but we have to deal with reality,” Ndidi said. “The reality is the next game. If we start thinking about the final and forget the next match, we could lose focus.”
He added that both the players and the coaching staff are united in their belief that success can only be built step by step, with each game treated as a final in its own right.
Ndidi, who was named Super Eagles captain for the 2025 AFCON, has quickly established himself as a leader within the squad after missing the last edition through injury.
Turning his attention to Mozambique, the Leicester City midfielder warned against complacency, describing the Mambas as a disciplined and aggressive side capable of causing problems.
“They are a very good team. They play with intensity and fight together as a unit,” he said. “We’ve watched their matches and we know they don’t give up easily.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s approach and performance would be decisive, noting that no team should be underestimated at this stage of the competition.
Nigeria, who finished top of Group C, will face Mozambique at the Fez Stadium on Monday as they seek a place in the quarter-finals for the 12th time. The Super Eagles won all three group matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four, as they continue their push for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
